For sixth consecutive year, UNI ranked second on 'U.S. News & World Report' list

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- For the sixth consecutive year, the University of Northern Iowa is ranked second in the "Midwestern Universities -- Master's" category for public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2003 "America's Best Colleges" guidebook.

The magazine's ranking criteria include peer assessment, academic reputation, retention, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduation rate performance, and alumni giving rate.

UNI also ranked in the top tier of a combined list of public and private Midwest regional universities.

Truman State University in Missouri was ranked first among public institutions in the "Midwest Universities -- Master's" category, also for the sixth consecutive year.

###

9/13/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Julie Bright, associate athletic director/business services, (319) 273-2475

Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-2761

Note to editors and news directors: A 200 dpi JPEG image of the UNI intercollegiate athletics logo is available at http://www.uni.edu/pubrel/newsroom/photos/unicat.JPG

UNI shows off new Panther logo with Family Weekend fashion show

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- "In Style with UNI," a free fashion show featuring casual and athletic wear bearing the newest UNI athletics logo, will take place at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, on the UNI-Dome's east plaza.

Julie Bright, UNI associate athletic director/business services, said local retailers will offer a preview of UNI fashions and other merchandise available at Cedar Valley stores. There also will be discount coupons from participating retailers.

Bob Justis, who regularly announces Panther athletic games, will be master of ceremonies.

Among the models will be Rick Hartzell, UNI's athletic director; Rick Coleman, KWWL sports director; Tony DiCecco, head women's basketball coach, and his wife Kristi; Brad Nelson, assistant women's basketball coach, and his family; and Nick Ungs, the Missouri Valley Conference baseball championship's most valuable player. Student-athletes, students and community members also will model apparel.

Cedar Valley retailers participating in the show are Palace Clothiers of Cedar Falls and Waterloo; and Iowa Sports Supply, Pheasant Ridge Pro Shop, Scheel's, University Book & Supply, Wal-Mart. all of Cedar Falls; and www.unipanthers.com.

The show, part of the annual Family Weekend celebration, is sponsored by the UNI Office of University Marketing and Public Relations. For more information, contact Julie Bright, associate director of athletics, (319) 273-2475

###

9/13/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Patricia Higby, program assistant, Center for Energy and Environmental Education, (319) 273-6012

Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-2761

Iowa Electrathon car races at UNI

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The annual Alliant Energy Iowa Electrathon Race will be Saturday, Sept. 21, at the University of Northern Iowa's B parking lot across University Avenue from Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.

This electric car endurance contest promotes energy efficiency and demonstrates the viability of cars powered by electricity. Approximately one dozen teams from Iowa high schools designed and built one-person electric cars that will compete in heats at 11 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Each team also must raise funds, obtain donated equipment, handle public relations and report on their progress monthly. Schools with teams in the race are: Bayfield Schools, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Cedar Rapids Prairie, Forest City High School, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School, Hubbard-Radcliffe High School, Jefferson-Scranton, Jesup Community Schools, Marcus-Meridan-Cleghorn, Muscatine, North Platte High School, Norwalk Community School District, Perry High School, Pomeroy-Palmer, Real World Education in Waverly, Sioux Central Community School, St. Ansgar, St. Thomas Academy, and Waukee.

The event is sponsored by Alliant Energy, the UNI Center for Energy and Environmental Education, the UNI Industrial Technology Center, and the Iowa Renewable Energy Association (I-RENEW).

###